The Division of Social Work at the University of Wyoming has joined the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) and the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver to address the workforce needs for professionals who work with children and families in the children welfare arena.
The multi-university collaboration, funded by the Children's Bureau through a five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Human Services, also includes the social work schools at the University of North Dakota and Metropolitan State College in Denver.
In Wyoming, the Western Child Welfare Workforce selected the Natrona County Department of Family Services to examine ways to strengthen the workforce needs of casework staff that serve families and children who are identified as in need of services.
"Caseworkers need to be highly skilled in working with families in crisis," says Mona C.S. Schatz, director of the Division of Social Work in WY's College of Health Sciences.
"Families today are experiencing very challenging times economically and children may become abused or neglected when families are highly stressed."
Adds DFS Director Tony Lewis, "We know casework is difficult and we see the impact that has on families being served. This collaboration between DFS and UW will give students an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have."
For more information, call Schatz at (307) 766-4933 or e-mail socialwork@uwyo.edu.
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009